2 Tissues of the Human Body Free Online FlashCards

What is a tissue?

A tissue is an organized group of cells and the material around them that performs related functions.

What are the body's four primary tissue types?

The four primary tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

How is epithelial tissue organized?

Epithelial cells are closely packed in one or more layers, attached to underlying connective tissue by a basement membrane. Epithelium lacks blood vessels.

How are epithelial cells and layers classified?

Squamous cells are flat, cuboidal cells are roughly cube-shaped, and columnar cells are taller than they are wide. Simple means one layer; stratified means multiple layers.

How does simple squamous epithelium support exchange?

Thin simple squamous epithelium allows gases to pass across lung air sacs and substances to move across capillary walls.

What separates most connective tissue cells?

Connective tissue cells are usually separated by an extracellular matrix, made of ground substance and protein fibers.

What are the functions of collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers?

Collagen fibers provide strength, elastic fibers allow stretch and recoil, and reticular fibers form a fine supporting network.

How do tendons and ligaments differ?

Tendons attach muscle to bone, while ligaments connect bone to bone.

What characterizes skeletal muscle?

Skeletal muscle has long, striated fibers and is usually under voluntary control; it moves the skeleton.

What distinguishes cardiac muscle?

Cardiac muscle consists of striated, branching cells joined at specialized connections. It contracts involuntarily and rhythmically to pump blood.

What is the main function of smooth muscle?

Smooth muscle has non-striated, spindle-shaped cells and contracts involuntarily to move materials through hollow organs.

What are the roles of neurons and glia?

Neurons receive and transmit electrical and chemical signals. Glia support neurons and help maintain their surrounding environment.